Feeding of horizontal form-fill-and-seal zipper machine

Abstract

In a horizontal form-fill-and-seal (FFS) machine, a continuous length of packaging film is folded lengthwise over the consumer products to be packaged. The lateral edges of the packaging film are separately and independently aligned with one another by edge sensing and control devices. A zipper is in place or fed between the aligned lateral edges of the packaging film. The lateral edges are sealed to one another, and the zipper, if unattached, is sealed to the folded packaging film. Side seals are produced by conventional apparatus, which also separate completed packages from one another. Apparatus for driving the packaging film though the machine in a balanced and symmetrical manner are also provided.

We claim: 
     
       1. A horizontal form-fill-and seal (FFS) machine comprising: means for providing a continuous length of packaging film having two lateral edges;   means for placing products to be packaged at intervals along one half of said continuous length of packaging film;   means for folding said continuous length of packaging film continuously down the center thereof and over upon said products to form a first folded side and a second folded side interconnected by a folded section opposite to said lateral edges;   means for aligning said lateral edges of said folded continuous length of packaging film with one another opposite said folded section;   means for feeding a zipper between said aligned lateral edges of said folded continuous length of packaging film;   first drive roller means for contacting and continuously driving said aligned lateral edges; second drive roller means for contacting and continuously driving said folded section;   means for sealing said aligned lateral edges of said folded continuous length of packaging film to one another;   means for sealing said zipper to said folded continuous length of packaging film;   means for sealing said folded continuous length of packaging film crosswise at intervals between said products to create individual packages; and   means for separating said individual packages from one another.   
     
     
       2. A horizontal FFS machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for driving comprises: a first pair of heated drive rollers for driving said folded film through said machine by said aligned lateral edges; and   a second pair of heated drive rollers for driving said folded film through said machine by said folded section.   
     
     
       3. A horizontal FFS machine as claimed in claim 2: wherein said first pair of heated drive rollers seal said aligned film lateral edges together; and   wherein said second pair of heated drive rollers seal said film first folded side to said film second folded side at said folded section.   
     
     
       4. A horizontal FFS machine as claimed in claim 2 wherein said means for driving further comprises a pair of steering rollers. 
     
     
       5. A horizontal FFS machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first drive roller means comprises: a pair of drive rollers and further comprising: a conveyor located upstream of said pair of drive rollers, said conveyor comprising a plurality of rollers driven by said pair of drive rollers.     
     
     
       6. A horizontal FFS machine as claimed in claim 5 wherein said pair of drive rollers is driven by a servomotor. 
     
     
       7. A horizontal FFS machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for driving comprises: a first pair of drive rollers for driving said folded film through said machine by said aligned lateral edges; and   a second pair of drive rollers for driving said folded film through said machine by said folded section.   
     
     
       8. A horizontal FFS machine as claimed in claim 7 wherein said means for driving further comprises a pair of heated rollers for sealing said film first folded side to said film second folded side at said folded section. 
     
     
       9. A horizontal FFS machine as claimed in claim 7 wherein said means for driving further comprises a pair of steering rollers. 
     
     
       10. A horizontal FFS machine as claimed in claim 7 wherein said means for driving further comprises a zipper guide for guiding said zipper after said zipper is sealed to said film. 
     
     
       11. A horizontal form-fill-and seal (FFS) machine comprising: means for providing a continuous length of packaging film having two lateral edges, each lateral edge having one-half of an interlockable zipper secured thereto;   means for placing products to be packaged at intervals along one half of said continuous length of packaging film;   means for folding said continuous length of packaging film continuously down the center thereof and over upon said products to form a first folded side and a second folded side interconnected by a folded section;   means for interlocking said zipper;   means for sealing said lateral edges of said folded continuous length of packaging film to one another;   first drive roller means for engaging with and continuously driving said folded film by said aligned lateral edges;   second drive roller means for engaging with and continuously driving said folded section;   means for sealing said folded continuous length of packaging film crosswise at intervals between said products to create individual packages; and   means for separating said individual packages from one another.   
     
     
       12. A horizontal FFS machine as claimed in claim 11 wherein said zipper interlocking means includes a pair of rollers. 
     
     
       13. A horizontal FFS machine as claimed in claim 11 wherein said first drive roller means for driving includes: a pair of heated drive rollers which drive said folded film through said machine by said lateral edges; and further comprising: a conveyor located upstream of said pair of heated drive rollers, said conveyor comprising a plurality of rollers driven by said pair of heated drive rollers.     
     
     
       14. A horizontal FFS machine as claimed in claim 13 wherein said heated drive rollers seal said lateral edges of said film together. 
     
     
       15. A horizontal FFS machine as claimed in claim 13 wherein said heated drive rollers are driven by a servomotor. 
     
     
       16. A method of making reclosable packages on a horizontal form-fill-and seal (FFS) machine comprising the steps of: providing a continuous length of packaging film having two lateral edges, each lateral edge having one-half of an interlockable zipper secured thereto;   placing products to be packaged at intervals along one half of said continuous length of packaging film;   folding said continuous length of packaging film continuously down the center thereof and over upon said products to form a first folded side and a second folded side interconnected by a folded section;   interlocking said zipper;   aligning said edges and driving said folded film by individually contacting said lateral edges and said folded section;   sealing said lateral edges of said folded continuous length of packaging film to one another;   driving said folded film by said lateral edges and by said folded section;   sealing said folded continuous length of packaging film crosswise at intervals between said products to create individual packages; and   separating said individual packages from one another.   
     
     
       17. A method of making reclosable packages on a horizontal FFS machine as claimed in claim 16 wherein said zipper is interlocked by a pair of rollers.